NIAGARA, Wis. — Wausaukee’s bats erupted in the sixth inning to break a tie and beat Niagara 11-3 in an M&O Conference game Thursday.

The Rangers (3-0) strung seven hits in a row in a six-run sixth after going into the inning tied 3-3.

Considering Niagara played well on defense, Badgers head coach Duane Blagec said there wasn’t much his team could do.

“Our pitching was great but they started smacking the ball all over God’s green earth,” Blagec said. “I should’ve changed pitchers earlier but I didn’t.”

His pitching Thursday was comprised of starter Noelle Champagne and Jaden Payette threw in relief. Champagne was hit with the loss, giving up 14 hits with no walks and four strikeouts.

Wausaukee pitcher Allison Versaskas earned the win on the mound, giving up three runs on eight hits with three walks and five strikeouts.

Champagne had two singles for the Badgers (1-2). Payette had a double.

Niagara scored three runs in the second inning to tie the game. Two of those runs came on consecutive fielder’s choices. Marissa Blosser had an RBI single.

“Our pitching was fantastic. We walked nobody,” Blagec said. “Wausaukee just started putting the bat on the ball. We played pretty good defense. Not too often do you accept an 11-3 loss — we played pretty well. Wausaukee at this point is just a little bit better than we are. The girls played up to their ability and pretty happy with that.”

Wausaukee’s Kylee Smith hit a two-run home run in the seventh. Madelyn Schlies went 3 for 4 and Kaelyn Schlies was 2 for 4.

Niagara visits Kingsford on Monday.

Next week, the Badgers visit Coleman on Tuesday and host Goodman-Pembine on Friday.

Early in the season, Coleman is tied for first in the M&O Conference at 3-0 with Wausaukee. Only one other team, Gillett/Suring, has a conference win.

Wausaukee 210 006 2 — 11 14

Niagara 030 000 0 — 3 8